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bust 'em up

Meaning: laugh really hard

Pronunciation: bust-em-UP
emotions intermediate

Meaning

• laugh really hard
• crack up completely
• break down laughing

Usage: This phrase describes a strong, uncontrollable reaction to something funny. It signifies a complete loss of composure due to laughter, often resulting in tears or physical contortions. It's a common expression used in Pidgin to emphasize the intensity of amusement.

Examples

"Dat story made me bust 'em up"

"We was busting 'em up all night"

"His dancing made everyone bust 'em up"

"Eh, da joke so funny, I almost bust 'em up!"

"She tell story 'bout da dog, an' we all bust 'em up, brah."

Origin & Cultural Context

Origin: The phrase likely evolved from the English phrase 'bust up,' meaning to break or fall apart, combined with the Pidgin emphasis on expressive language. It reflects the importance of humor and shared laughter in Hawaiian culture.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does "bust 'em up" mean in Hawaiian Pidgin?

"bust 'em up" means "laugh really hard" in Hawaiian Pidgin. This phrase describes a strong, uncontrollable reaction to something funny. It signifies a complete loss of composure due to laughter, often resulting in tears or physical contortions. It's a common expression used in Pidgin to emphasize the intensity of amusement..

How do you pronounce "bust 'em up"?

"bust 'em up" is pronounced "bust-em-UP". Click the "Hear Pronunciation" button above to listen!

How do you use "bust 'em up" in a sentence?

Example: "Dat story made me bust 'em up"

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Pidgin & Local Culture Corner

Pidgin Grammar Tip

"Using 'mo' before an adjective creates a comparative, like 'mo bettah' for 'better'."

Local Culture Fact

"Talk story is a local Hawaiian expression for a casual conversation or sharing experiences."

Want to learn more? Try whole sentences in our English to Pidgin translator, check out our Learning Hub, or Talk Story with Kimo!

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